The New York Mets offseason has been rather disappointing so far-in fact, we could call it downright underwhelming. Among the fanbase, there’s a growing feeling that the Mets front office hasn’t done enough to build a competitive MLB roster, and with MLB spring training approaching, the departures of major stars are already causing real concern.
A Very Different Mets Team in 2026
That’s exactly what we’ll see in MLB 2026 after the exit of several key players from the New York Mets: outfielder Brandon Nimmo (traded to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien), infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil (traded to the Oakland Athletics), closer Edwin Díaz (signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers), and first baseman Pete Alonso, who agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles in MLB free agency.
Four cornerstone players are gone with no significant reinforcements to replace them, increasing pressure on Mets president of baseball operationsDavid Stearns to act.
Amid this uncertainty, Anthony McCarron of SNY released 10 bold MLB offseason predictions, projecting that the Mets will sign pitchers Framber Valdez and Chris Bassitt, along with outfielder Harrison Bader.
Valdez remains one of the top MLB free-agent pitchers still unsigned as of mid-January 2026, making him a realistic target for New York-especially amid speculation also linking the Mets to Ranger Suárez.
“Since 2022, only Logan Webb has thrown more innings than Valdez, and the Mets clearly need reliable length after last season,” McCarron wrote. “Valdez, 32, generates ground balls at an elite rate, fitting perfectly with David Stearns’ run-prevention philosophy.”
For the second starter, McCarron predicts a reunion with Chris Bassitt, who pitched for the Mets in MLB 2022 after arriving from the Athletics. Last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 36-year-old right-hander posted an 11-9 record, 3.96 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and a 1.33 WHIP over 170.2 innings.
Bassitt also played a crucial bullpen role during Toronto’s World Series run, strengthening his appeal due to pitching versatility and postseason experience.
“Bassitt was outstanding out of the bullpen last October (1.04 ERA in seven games) and consistently reliable as a starter,” McCarron wrote. “Teams value versatility-making him a perfect hybrid pitcher for the Mets.”
While top prospect Carson Benge continues his development in the minor leagues, a reunion with Harrison Bader-coming off a stint with the Philadelphia Phillies-would significantly improve Mets outfield defense.
“Bader can handle center field while the Mets evaluate Carson Benge’s readiness,” McCarron noted. “If Benge earns a role, Bader can slide to left field, serve as a defensive replacement, and provide right-handed pop off the bench. He posted career highs in home runs and OPS last season.”
Read the full article here
